The Belgian’s likely destination is Sunderland, where he would link up with David Moyes who he previously worked and excelled under at United.

It is understood, however, that Januzaj would prefer a permanent move away from Old Trafford after having limited chances last season and things unlikely to change in the Jose era after not being named in Mourinho’s 26 man squad for the season. He has since been training with the reserves.

Januzaj’s attitude has often been an issue

It is hard to doubt Januzaj’s obvious talent and potential, however his commitment and attitude has been questioned after he broke onto the scene in David Moyes’ short stay at the club.

Fans were in awe after his match-winning performance away at Sunderland under Moyes and the Scotsman is very keen to be reunited with the Belgian at the Stadium of Light.

United want a loan move for Januzaj as they recognize his talent and understand he needs to develop playing first-team football, albeit with a much better attitude.

They are aware of the Paul Pogba situation where a midfield talent was let go and a world record transfer fee was needed to bring him back to Old Trafford.

“I do not know if United want to lend me, but I’m working hard to get more opportunities. Manchester will decide.”

The 20-year-old is viewed as the jewel in the crown in the next batch of United youngsters and this revelation, whilst not a shock, will no doubt hand some sections more ammunition against manager Louis Van Gaal despite a decent start to 2016. With Van Gaal providing a platform for many youngsters during his tenure, with the likes of Jesse Lingard, Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson enjoying time amongst the first team over the past two seasons, Pereira has found his appearances limited despite United struggling in front of goal.

Many fans have called for the 20-year-old to be utilised more often, an opinion reinforced by his stunning free kick against Ipswich Town in the Capital One Cup earlier this season. A string of impressive displays for the under-21 side have only added more fuel to the fire whilst the return of fellow academy graduate Adnan Januzaj, previously on loan at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, could well see Pereira fall further behind in the pecking order.

Interestingly enough, news of Pereira’s current availability has sparked rumours from all angles, although Leicester City are rumoured to be the frontrunners which would be absolute madness. Leicester currently sit second in the Premier League on goal difference, and seven points above United. Handing the Foxes one of the club’s most talented prospects would be a major error. Leicester must be seen as United’s main rival for the lucrative fourth Champions League spot.

Leicester are, of course, the surprise package of the season and their expected decline just doesn’t seem to be coming. Their Christmas fixtures were as tough as it gets, games against United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, but the club still find themselves on the brink of the Premier League summit. Realistically, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are shoe-ins for the top four spots. Leicester are the one anomaly, and loaning our most exciting prospect to them to aid their title challenge would be shear lunacy.

However, with some of the decisions that have been made this season, it wouldn’t come as a major surprise…

It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster ride for Adnan Januzaj since he broke into the first team squad in 2013. An unused substitute in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game for the club, the youngster became the one major plus point of David Moyes’ ill-fated reign the season following, with some even claiming that he could be the new Cristiano Ronaldo (well, that was me). However, it is fair to say that since Louis Van Gaal took over at the club his progress has been, well, mooted at best.

Used sparingly during Van Gaal’s first season in charge, Januzaj actually began this campaign by starting four of the opening five fixtures, scoring the winner against Aston Villa in the second game of the season. However, after a disappointing 45 minutes against Club Brugge in the Champions League Second Leg Qualifier, LVG decided to let the club’s new number 11 leave on loan and he headed to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund (despite much Premier League interest). Later, Van Gaal admitted that he would have preferred it if Januzaj had stayed in England, hinting that had he joined a ‘lesser club’, his opportunities may have been more frequent. As it turns out, on this occasion, he was right.

It is fair to say that Januzaj’s time in Dortmund has been a disaster. With only three starts, all of which came in the Europa League, United have made a collective decision that recalling the attacker would be the best option, and it could prove to be a timely addition. After all, Januzaj is a favourite amongst the fans having risen through the ranks and it is no secret that the club likes to see ‘one of their own’ go on to achieve success.

Januzaj can be one of those frustrating figures. It is plain to see that he has bags of potential, potential that could see him turn into a truly great player if he is nurtured right. Arguably, LVG halted that progress last season with his reluctance to utilise him. However, it is no secret that attacking options are at an all-time low right now, with Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney the only experienced attackers in the squad. Currently, Juan Mata is the man preferred on the right wing, with Martial on the left and Rooney playing down the middle. Mata, in my humble opinion, is wasted on the right with a lack of pace and a natural instinct that often sees him drift towards the middle. Januzaj, however, on the right wing, coupled with Marital on the left, would offer pace on both flanks.

Currently, United have scored only 24 league goals in 20 games. Januzaj may not score bags of goals (although he can certainly chip in), but he can create. I, for one, applaud the decision to bring him back to the club. I only hope that he is given the opportunity to elevate himself and this weekends game against Sheffield United could be the perfect stepping stone.

The Manchester United attacker is currently on loan to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

Adnan Januzaj started brightly bagging his first goal just 18 minutes into his debut – a charity match versus St Pauli. Since then he has made little impact and is yet to start a game in the league. He has made just 5 appearances as a sub and created just one assist.

Two years ago it was a completely different story as he raised eye-brows at Manchester United during the Moyes era. The FA even considered him as someone who could one day play for England, as he is a ‘homegrown’ player.

Things changed though, with the arrival of current United boss, Louis van Gaal. Januzaj was given chances in both the No 9 and No 10 roles – roles that Januzaj has openly said he prefers to play in – by the manager but failed to impress. The decision was then made that the player would be shipped out on loan in the hope that he would play more and develop.

So what happens next for Adnan Januzaj? Does he see out his loan spell at Dortmund then go back out on loan to a team where he is likely to get more game time? Or does he finish his current loan spell then leave Manchester United altogether?

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